125 Important Diesel Mechanic Tools (Actually, More)

Table of Contents

Good diesel mechanic work requires high-quality diesel mechanic tools. If you're studying Universal Technical Institute's (UTI) diesel technician training program, you may be wondering what diesel mechanic tool set you'll need to succeed in the field once you graduate.

We've created this diesel mechanic tools list, informed by some of the biggest diesel brands in the world. You can start adding to your tool list for diesel mechanics while you're still in school, so once you start applying for jobs, you're better prepped for what's to come.

Diesel Mechanic Tools List

Schneider provides truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Below are the tools the company recommends for its diesel mechanics, along with some other diesel mechanic tools and variations of what Schneider recommends. We've added those in italics so you have an idea of what various heavy equipment machinery and diesel engine manufacturers might be looking for.

You'll want a cart or rolling toolbox that efficiently separates your tools so they're easy to locate and use.

Adapters

¼-inch to ⅜-inch

¼-inch to ½-inch

⅜-inch to ¼-inch

⅜-inch to ½-inch

½-inch to ⅜-inch

½ to ¼-inch

½-inch to ¾-inch

¾-inch to ½-inch

Allen Drivers

Standard 3/32-inch to ⅜-inch and metric 3-millimeter to 17-millimeter

Standard Allen wrench set .05-inch to ⅜-inch

Metric Allen wrench set 2-millimeter to 12-millimeter

¼-Inch Drive Socket Set

Standard (shallow and deep, SAE) 3/16-inch to ⅝-inch

Metric (shallow and deep) 5-millimeter to 15-millimeter

Standard depth 3/16-inch to ½-inch

Deep 3/16-inch to ½-inch

Standard depth 4-millimeter to 13-millimeter

Deep 4-millimeter to 13-millimeter

Short, medium, long extensions

Ratchet handle

Universal joint

⅜-Inch Drive Sockets

Standard (SAE, deep, shallow and impact) 5/16-inch to 1-inch

Metric (deep, shallow and impact) 7-millimeter to 20-millimeter

Standard depth 12 Point ⅜-inch to ¾-inch

Deep 6 point ⅜-inch to ¾-inch

Standard depth 10-millimeter to 19-millimeter

Deep 10-millimeter to 19-millimeter

Short, medium, long extensions

Ratchet handle

Universal joint

⅜-inch to ¾-inch Sq Dr flexible socket

0-250-inch-lb. torque wrench

½-Inch Drive Sockets

Standard (SAE, deep, shallow and impact) ⅜-inch to 1 ¼-inch

Metric (deep, shallow and impact) 10-millimeter to 27-millimeter

Shallow ½-inch to 1⅛-inch

Deep ½-inch to 1⅛-inch

Shallow 13-millimeter to 32-millimeter

Deep 13-millimeter to 32-millimeter

Sq Dr stud remover tool

Breaker bar

Short, medium, long extensions

Ratchet handle

Universal joint

0-250-foot-lb. torque wrench

Extensions

2-inch

6-inch

12-inch

24-inch (optional for reaching transmission bellhousing bolts)

Feeler Gauge Set

Red handle for exhaust

Blue handle for intake

Hammers

Dead blow

Ball-peen (16 ounce and 24 ounce)

4 to 5 lb. sledgehammer

Plastic 2.5-lb. h. d.

Impacts

½-inch

⅜-inch

¼-inch (battery- or air-powered)

Multimeter

Auto-ranging

Digital read-out

Pliers

Standard

Adjustable

Needle nose

Vise-grip set

Adjustable joint

Locking

Side cutters

Slip-joint

Snap ring

Small reversible

Large reversible

Flat with 1¾-inch minimum opening

Brake spring

Battery nut

Pry Bar Set

Small 1-foot

Medium 2-foot

Large 3-foot

Ratchets

½-inch standard ratchet

⅜-inch standard ratchet

¼-inch standard ratchet

Breaker bar

Screwdrivers

Philips (short, medium, long)

Flatheads

1-inch #2

6-inch #1

6-inch #2

1-foot #3

Blade type: 1-inch, 6-inch, 9-inch, 1-foot, offset

Torque Bit Drivers

T10

T15

T20

T25

T27

T20

T40

T45 (medium and long shaft drivers)

Wiring Equipment

Crimping tool

Wire stripping tool

Wire cutters

Handheld torch

Wrenches

Standard (SAE), 5/16-inch to 1¼-inch

Metric, 8-millimeter to 22-millimeter

Combination standard ⅜-inch to 1¼-inch

Combination metric 6-millimeter to 26-millimeter

Flare nut standard ⅜-inch to ¾-inch

Flare nut metric 7-millimeter to 19-millimeter

Adjustable 1-inch to 8-inch

Adjustable 1-inch to 1-foot

Torx wrench set T-15 to T-55

Pipe wrench 10-inch or 14-inch

20-inch reversing chain wrench

Filter wrench

Files

12-inch fine

12-inch coarse

Round

Half-round

6-inch triangle

Punches

Pin 3/16-inch to ⅜-inch

Center 5-inch

Cold chisel

⅜-inch blade to 5-inch length

⅝-inch blade to 6-inch length

⅞-inch blade to 7-inch length

Starter 3/16-inch to ⅜-inch

Brass punch

Feeler Gauges

.005-inch to .05-inch

.005-millimeter to .07-millimeter

Other Items for a Diesel Mechanic Tool Set

More items you might want to add to a tool list for diesel mechanics include:

12-foot measuring tape

15-inch aligning bar

Adjustable all-angle inspection mirror

Battery post cleaner

Battery terminal clamp puller

Cotter key extractor

Crimp/stripper tool

Dial caliper

Drill bits 1/16-inch to ½-inch

Extractor set (broken bolt)

Flashlight

Flexible retrieving and holding tool

Gasket scraper 1-inch wide

Hacksaw

Hearing protection

Knife

Magnetic pickup tool (telescoping)

O-ring pick set

Rolling head pry bar

Safety glasses

Set starter – jumper wires with clips

Tire air chuck

Tire gauge (truck-type)

Valve core replacement tool

Wire brush

Work gloves

Start Building Your Diesel Tool Set

This is a long list, but you may not need all the tools on this list for your future employer. Some employers may even provide certain tools. It can help to contact employers you're interested in to see what they require.

Also, take advantage of employer visits on your UTI campus. You can talk directly with employers about what they recommend you start with. Our diesel instructors are great resources, too.

As diesel mechanics retire, many offer to sell their tools to the next generation. Ask around in your networks and look online for lower-cost tools that are still high-quality.

When you study diesel at UTI, you don't have to worry about purchasing tools while you're in school. We provide everything you need with equipment you'd use out in the field.

Want to find out what makes a gas engine and a diesel engine unique? You've come to the right place, because this article was written for you.

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